Optical element compound, optical material, and optical element

ABSTRACT

An optical material organic compound having characteristics that the dispersion characteristic (Abbe number (ν d )) and the secondary dispersion characteristic (θg,F) of the refractive index are high, the transmittance in the visible light region is high, and the chromatic aberration correction function delivers high performance, which represented by the general formula (1) or (2) is provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an optical material organic compound aswell as an optical material and an optical element by using the opticalelement compound. In particular, the present invention relates to a(meth)acrylate compound having peculiar optical characteristics as wellas an optical material and an optical element by using the(meth)acrylate compound.

2. Description of the Related Art

In general, the refractive indices of optical materials composed ofglass materials, organic resins, or the like increase gradually withdecreasing wavelengths. Examples of indicators representing thechromatic dispersion property of the refractive index include an Abbenumber (ν_(d)) and a secondary dispersion characteristic (θg,F). TheAbbe number and the value of θg,F are values peculiar to individualoptical materials and fall within certain ranges in many cases. FIG. 1is a diagram showing the relationship between the secondary dispersioncharacteristic (θg,F) and the Abbe number of organic materials (glassmaterials and organic resins) in the related art.

In this regard, the Abbe number (ν_(d)) and the secondary dispersioncharacteristic (θg,F) are represented by the following formulae.

Abbe number (ν_(d))=(n _(d)−1)/(n _(F) −n _(c))

secondary dispersion characteristic (θg,F)=(n _(g) −n _(F))/(n _(F) −n_(c))

(n_(d) represents a refractive index at a wavelength of 587.6 nm, n_(F)represents a refractive index at a wavelength of 486.1 nm, n_(c)represents a refractive index at a wavelength of 656.3 nm, and n_(g)represents a refractive index at a wavelength of 435.8 nm)

Meanwhile, optical materials (glass materials, organic resins, and thelike) having excellent optical characteristics (high θg,Fcharacteristic) out of the above-described certain range have also beenproposed on the basis of detailed by design of the configuration(material species and molecular structure) of the optical materials. Forexample, polyvinyl carbazole, which is shown by A in FIG. 1 and which isan organic resin, has a secondary dispersion characteristic (high θg,Fcharacteristic) higher than that of common organic resin materials.

In general, in a dioptric system, it is possible to reduce chromaticaberration by combining glass materials having different dispersioncharacteristics appropriately. For example, regarding an objective lensof a telescope or the like, chromatic aberration, which appears on anaxis, is corrected by using a glass material having small dispersion andserving as a positive lens element and a glass material having largedispersion and serving as a negative lens element in combination.However, for example, in the case where the configuration and the numberof lenses are limited and in the case where glass material used arelimited, it may become very difficult to correct the chromaticaberration sufficiently. As for one method to solve such a problem,there is a method by making full use of a glass material having ananomalous dispersion characteristic. Optical elements have been designedby using this method.

In the case where an optical element having an excellent chromaticaberration correction function and having the shape of an asphericalsurface or the like is produced, for example, molding of an organicresin on spherical glass or the like has an advantage that themass-productivity, the moldability, the flexibility in shape, and thelight-weight property are excellent as compared with use of the glassmaterial as the material. However, the optical characteristics of theorganic resin in the related art fall within a certain limited range(the secondary dispersion characteristic (θg,F) is 0.700 or less) asshown in FIG. 1, and organic resins exhibiting peculiar dispersioncharacteristics are very few.

Against the above-described background, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.2008-158361, an optical resin composition produced by mixingN-acryloylcarbazole, a polyfunctional polyester acrylate, dimethyloltricyclodecane diacrylate, and a polymerization initiator at apredetermined ratio has been proposed. Furthermore, Japanese PatentLaid-Open No. 2008-158361 has reported that the above-described opticalresin composition is worked easily and a cured product serves as amaterial having sufficient anomalous dispersion and durability.

However, a material having characteristics (high θg,F characteristic)within the area indicated by B in FIG. 1 and practicality (lowcolorability, high transparency) is not present now. Moreover, everymaterial proposed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-158361 has aθg,F value of 0.70 or less.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in consideration of theabove-described background art. The present invention provides anoptical organic material compound having characteristics that thedispersion characteristic (Abbe number (ν_(d))) and the secondarydispersion characteristic (θg,F) of the refractive index are high, thetransmittance in the visible light region is high, and the chromaticaberration correction function delivers high performance.

An optical material organic compound according to the present inventionis a compound represented by the following general formula (1) or (2):

in the formula (1), X and Y represent individually a substituentselected from the following substituents,

*-S— *-O—

*-O—CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂—S—

*-S—CH₂CH₂—O≦ *-S—CH₂CH₂—S—

*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—

*-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—

*-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—O—

*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S— *-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—O—

where a symbol * represents an end bonded to R₁ or R₂, R₁ and R₂represent individually a substituent selected from the group consistingof a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having the carbon number of 1 or 2,and a (meth)acryloyl group, Z₁ and Z₂ represent individually asubstituent selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, ahalogen atom, an alkoxy group having the carbon number of 1 or 2, analkylthio group having the carbon number of 1 or 2, and a substituted orunsubstituted alkyl group having the carbon number of 1 or 2, a and brepresent individually an integer of 0 to 2, two Z₁s may be the same ordifferent when a is 2, and two Z₂s may be the same or different when bis 2.

In the general formula (2), X represents a substituent selected from thefollowing substituents,

*-S—

*-S—CH₂CH₂—S— *-O—CH₂CH₂—S—

*-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—

*-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—

where a symbol * represents an end bonded to R₁₁, Y represents asubstituent selected from the following substituents,

*-S— *-O—

*-O—CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂—S—

*-S—CH₂CH₂—O— *-S—CH₂CH₂—S—

*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—

*-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—

*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—

*-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—

where a symbol * represents an end bonded to R₁₂, R₁₁ and R₁₂ representindividually a substituent selected from the group consisting of ahydrogen atom, an alkyl group having the carbon number of 1 or 2, and a(meth)acryloyl group, Z₃ represents a substituent selected from thegroup consisting of a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkoxy grouphaving the carbon number of 1 or 2, an alkylthio group having the carbonnumber of 1 or 2, and a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group havingthe carbon number of 1 or 2, c represents an integer of 0 to 2, and twoZ₃s may be the same or different when c is 2.

According to the present invention, an optical material organic compoundhaving characteristics that the dispersion characteristic (Abbe number(ν_(d))) and the secondary dispersion characteristic (θg,F) of therefractive index are high and the chromatic aberration correctionfunction delivers high performance can be provided.

Consequently, an optical element produced by molding the opticalmaterial including the optical material organic compound according tothe present invention can eliminate chromatic aberration efficiently.Therefore, according to the present invention, an optical system can bemade more lightweight and compact.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graph showing the relationship between the secondarydispersion characteristics and the Abbe numbers of commerciallyavailable optical materials.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams showing examples of the opticalelement according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be described below in detail. An opticalmaterial organic compound according to the present invention is acompound represented by the following general formula (1) or generalformula (2).

The optical material organic compound according to the present inventionis a compound having a partial structure represented by the following(1A) or (2A) as a basic skeleton and can be a (meth)acrylate compoundhaving the partial structure represented by the following (1A) or (2A)and a (meth)acryloyl group,

in the general formula (2A) and the general formula (3A), X₀ and Y₀represent individually an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom.

In this regard, embodiments of the optical material organic compoundaccording to the present invention will be described later.

Initially, a compound represented by the general formula (1) will bedescribed. In the general formula (1), X and Y represent individually asubstituent selected from the following substituents.

*-S— *-O—

*-O—CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂—S—

*-S—CH₂CH₂—O— *-S—CH₂CH₂—S—

*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—

*-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—

*-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—O—

*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S— *-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—O—

Regarding the substituent represented by X and Y in the general formula(1), a symbol * represents a hand (an end) bonded to R₁ or R_(2.)

In the general formula (1), R₁ and R₂ represent individually asubstituent selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, analkyl group having the carbon number of 1 or 2, and a (meth)acryloylgroup.

As for alkyl groups represented by R₁ and R₂, a methyl group and anethyl group are mentioned.

In the general formula (1), Z₁ and Z₂ represent individually asubstituent selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, ahalogen atom, an alkoxy group having the carbon number of 1 or 2, analkylthio group having the carbon number of 1 or 2, and a substituted orunsubstituted alkyl group having the carbon number of 1 or 2.

As for the halogen atoms represented by Z₁ and Z₂, fluorine, chlorine,bromine, and iodine are mentioned.

As for the alkoxy groups represented by Z₁ and Z₂, a methoxy group andan ethoxy group are mentioned.

As for alkylthio groups represented by Z₁ and Z₂, a methylthio group andan ethylthio group are mentioned.

As for the alkyl groups represented by Z₁ and Z₂, a methyl group and anethyl group are mentioned. Furthermore, this alkyl group may have asubstituent selected from the group consisting of a (meth)acryloyloxygroup, a (meth)acryloyloxyethoxy group, a 2-hydroxyethoxy group, a2-mercaptoethoxy group, a 2-mercaptoethylthio group, a(meth)acryloyloxypropoxy group, a 3-hydroxypropoxy group, a3-mercaptopropoxy group, a 3-mercaptopropylthio group, a(meth)acryloyloxybutoxy group, a 4-hydroxybutoxy group, a4-mercaptobutoxy group, a 4-mercaptobutylthio group, an allyloxy group,an allylthio group, a 4-vinylbenzyloxy group, an oxiranyl methoxy group,an oxiranyl ethoxy group, a thiiranyl methoxy group, a thiiranyl ethoxygroup, a methylthio group, an ethylthio group, a methoxy group, and anethoxy group.

In the general formula (1), a and b represent individually an integer of0 to 2. Here, two Z₁s may be the same or different when a is 2, and twoZ₂s may be the same or different when b is 2. In consideration of easeof synthesis, a and b can be individually 0 or 1.

Next, embodiments of the compound represented by the general formula (1)will be described. The embodiments of the compound represented by thegeneral formula (1) can be roughly divided into items (1-1) and (1-2)described below.

-   (1-1) Case where X and Y represent individually a substituent    selected from the following substituents

*-O—CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂—S—

*-S—CH₂CH₂—O— *-S—CH₂CH₂—S—

*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—

*-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—

*-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—O—

*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S— *-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—O—

-   (1-2) Case where X and Y represent individually a sulfur atom (—S—)    or an oxygen atom (—O—)

An embodiment according to the item (1-1) can satisfy the followingitems (1-1-1) to (1-1-3).

-   (1-1-1) X and Y represent individually a substituent selected from    the following substituents

*-O—CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂—S—

*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—

*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—O—

-   (1-1-2) R₁ and R₂ represent individually a substituent selected from    the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having the    carbon number of 1 or 2, and a (meth)acryloyl group-   (1-1-3) Z₁ and Z₂ represent individually a substituent selected from    the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkoxy    group having the carbon number of 1 or 2, an alkylthio group having    the carbon number of 1 or 2, and a substituted or unsubstituted    alkyl group having the carbon number of 1 or 2

In particular, an embodiment according to the item (1-1) can satisfy theabove-described item (1-1-1) and the following items (1-1-4) and(1-1-5).

-   (1-1-4) R₁ and R₂ represent individually hydrogen or a    (meth)acryloyl group-   (1-1-5) Z₁ and Z₂ represent individually a substituent selected from    the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkoxy    group having the carbon number of 1 or 2, an alkylthio group having    the carbon number of 1 or 2, and an alkyl group having the carbon    number of 1 or 2

In the case of the item (1-2), the following items (1-2-1) to (1-2-3)can be satisfied.

-   (1-2-1) X and Y represent individually —S— or —O—-   (1-2-2) R₁ and R₂ represent individually hydrogen or an alkyl group    having the carbon number of 1 or 2-   (1-2-3) Z₁ and Z₂ represent individually a substituent selected from    the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkoxy    group having the carbon number of 1 or 2, an alkylthio group having    the carbon number of 1 or 2, and a substituted or unsubstituted    alkyl group having the carbon number of 1 or 2

Furthermore, an embodiment according to the item (1-2) can satisfy theabove-described items (1-2-1) and (1-2-2) and the following item(1-2-4).

-   (1-2-4) Z₁ and Z₂ represent individually a hydrogen atom or a    substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having the carbon number of    1 or 2

In particular, an embodiment according to the item (1-2) can satisfy theabove-described items (1-2-1) and (1-2-4) and the following item(1-2-5).

-   (1-2-5) R₁ and R₂ represent individually an alkyl group having the    carbon number of 1 or 2

Meanwhile, in the case where Z₁ and Z₂ represent individually an alkylgroup which has a substituent and which has the carbon number of 1 or 2,the specific structure of the alkyl group can be the structurerepresented by the following general formula (3).

In the general formula (3), a symbol ** represents a bond, m represents0 or 1, and n represents an integer of 2 to 4. In consideration of easeof synthesis, m can be 0. In the case where the structure of any one ofZ₁ and Z₂ is the structure represented by the general formula (3), thecompound in itself has a more flexible structure and, thereby, themelting point of the compound in itself can be lowered. It can be saidthat lowering of the melting point of the compound in itself isadvantageous from the viewpoint of ease of molding.

Next, a compound represented by the general formula (2) will bedescribed.

In the general formula (2), X represents a substituent selected from thefollowing substituents.

*-S— *-O—CH₂CH₂—S—

*-S—CH₂CH₂—S— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—

*-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—

*-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—

Regarding the substituent represented by X in the general formula (2), asymbol * represents a hand (an end) bonded to R₁₁.

In the general formula (2), Y represents a substituent selected from thefollowing substituents.

*-S— *-O—

*-O—CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂—S—

*-S—CH₂CH₂—O— *-S—CH₂CH₂—S—

*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—

*-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—

*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—

*-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—

Regarding the substituent represented by Y in the general formula (2), asymbol * represents a hand (an end) bonded to R₁₂.

In the general formula (2), R₁₁ and R₁₂ represent individually asubstituent selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, analkyl group having the carbon number of 1 or 2, and a (meth)acryloylgroup.

As for the alkyl groups represented by R₁₁ and R₁₂, a methyl group andan ethyl group are mentioned.

In the general formula (2), Z₃ represents a substituent selected fromthe group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkoxy grouphaving the carbon number of 1 or 2, an alkylthio group having the carbonnumber of 1 or 2, and a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group havingthe carbon number of 1 or 2.

As for the alkoxy groups represented by Z₃, a methoxy group and anethoxy group are mentioned.

As for alkylthio groups represented by Z₃, a methylthio group and anethylthio group are mentioned.

As for the alkyl groups represented by Z₃, a methyl group and an ethylgroup are mentioned. Furthermore, this alkyl group may have asubstituent selected from the group consisting of a (meth)acryloyloxygroup, a (meth)acryloyloxyethoxy group, a 2-hydroxyethoxy group, a2-mercaptoethoxy group, a 2-mercaptoethylthio group, a(meth)acryloyloxypropoxy group, a 3-hydroxypropoxy group, a3-mercaptopropoxy group, a 3-mercaptopropylthio group, a(meth)acryloyloxybutoxy group, a 4-hydroxybutoxy group, a4-mercaptobutoxy group, a 4-mercaptobutylthio group, an allyloxy group,an allylthio group, a 4-vinylbenzyloxy group, an oxiranyl methoxy group,an oxiranyl ethoxy group, a thiiranyl methoxy group, a thiiranyl ethoxygroup, a methylthio group, an ethylthio group, a methoxy group, and anethoxy group.

In the general formula (2), c represents an integer of 0 to 2. Two Z₃smay be the same or different when c is 2. In consideration of ease ofsynthesis, c can be 0 or 1.

Next, embodiments of the compound represented by the general formula (2)will be described. The embodiments of the compound represented by thegeneral formula (2) can satisfy the items (2-1) to (2-4) describedbelow.

-   (2-1) X represents a substituent selected from the following    substituents,

*-O—CH₂CH₂—S— *-S—CH₂CH₂—S—

*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S— *-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—

*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S— *-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—

-   (2-2) Y represents a substituent selected from the following    substituents,

*-O—CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂—S—

*-S—CH₂CH₂—O— *-S—CH₂CH₂—S—

*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—

*-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—

*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—

*-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—

-   (2-3) R₁₁ and R₁₂ represent individually a substituent selected from    the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having the    carbon number of 1 or 2, and a (meth)acryloyl group-   (2-4) Z₃ represents a substituent selected from the group consisting    of a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkoxy group having the    carbon number of 1 or 2, an alkylthio group having the carbon number    of 1 or 2, and a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having the    carbon number of 1 or 2

Regarding the compounds represented by the general formula (2),furthermore, an embodiment can satisfy the above-described items (2-3)and (2-4) and the following items (2-5) and (2-6).

-   (2-5) X represents a substituent selected from the following    substituents,

*-O—CH₂CH₂—S— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—

*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—

-   (2-6) Y represents a substituent selected from the following    substituents,

*-O—CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—O—

*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—O—

Regarding the compounds represented by the general formula (2), inparticular, an embodiment can satisfy the above-described items (2-5)and (2-6) and the following items (2-7) and (2-8).

-   (2-7) R₁₁ and R₁₂ represent individually a substituent selected from    the group consisting of a hydrogen atom and a (meth)acryloyl group-   (2-8) Z₃ represents a substituent selected from the group consisting    of a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkoxy group having the    carbon number of 1 or 2, an alkylthio group having the carbon number    of 1 or 2, and an alkyl group having the carbon number of 1 or 2

Meanwhile, in the case where Z₃ represents an alkyl group which has asubstituent and which has the carbon number of 1 or 2, the specificstructure of the alkyl group can be the structure represented by thefollowing general formula (3).

In the general formula (3), a symbol ** represents a bond, m represents0 or 1, and n represents an integer of 2 to 4. In consideration of easeof synthesis, m can be 0. In the case where the structure of Z₃ is thestructure represented by the general formula (3), the compound in itselfhas a more flexible structure and, thereby, the melting point of thecompound in itself can be lowered. It can be said that lowering of themelting point of the compound in itself is advantageous from theviewpoint of ease of molding.

Next, a method for manufacturing the optical material organic compoundaccording to the present invention will be described with reference toan example. A production route of the optical material organic compoundaccording to the present invention is not specifically limited, and anymanufacturing method can be adopted. However, at least the followingsynthesis steps described in items (a) and (b) are included.Furthermore, a synthesis step described in an item (c) is includeddepending on a compound.

-   (a) Formation of bond between aromatic rings (benzene rings)-   (b) Etherification (thioetherification) reaction-   (c) (Meth)acrylation reaction

In consideration of ease of synthesis, the above-described synthesissteps are performed in the order of (a), (b), and (c).

Regarding the synthesis step (a), modifications can be made depending onthe circumstances based on the type of a functional group included inthe aromatic compound. For example, a coupling reaction with atransition metal catalyst, an oxidative coupling reaction betweenhalides, a substitution reaction on an aromatic ring, and the like arementioned. In consideration of the reaction yield, the coupling reactionwith a transition metal catalyst is desirable.

The coupling reaction with a transition metal catalyst can be selectedoptionally. As for typical methods, Suzuki coupling by using boric acid,Stille coupling by using organic tin, Negishi coupling by using organiczinc, and the like are used favorably.

Regarding the synthesis step (b), as for typical methods ofetherification reaction, for example, a Williamson ether synthesismethod, in which a hydroxyl group is converted to a salt with sodiumhydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or the like and, thereafter, acorresponding halide is added, is mentioned.

Meanwhile, a thioetherification reaction is effected by a thiol groupgeneration reaction and a reaction between a thiol group and a halide.Here, the thiol group generation reaction is achieved by, for example,converting a hydroxyl group to a substituent (TsO—, Cl—, CF₃S(═O)₂—O— orthe like) active with respect to a nucleophilic substitution reactionand, thereafter, effecting the nucleophilic substitution reaction byusing a sulfide ion (S²⁻). Furthermore, regarding the reaction between athiol group and a halide, the above-described Williamson ether synthesismethod or the like can be applied.

Regarding the synthesis step (c), as for typical methods, a method inwhich an hydroxyl group is esterified by using a (meth)acrylic halide ora (meth)acrylic acid anhydride, a transesterification reaction by usingan ester of a lower alcohol of (meth)acrylic acid, a directesterification reaction in which (meth)acrylic acid and a diol aredehydrated and condensed by using a condensation agent, e.g.,N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, a method in which (meth)acrylic acid anda diol concerned are heated in the presence of a dehydrating agent,e.g., sulfuric acid, and the like are used favorably.

In the case where the optical material organic compound according to thepresent invention is a (meth)acrylate compound, a polymerizationinhibitor may be used as necessary in order that polymerization does notproceed during reaction and during preservation. Examples ofpolymerization inhibitors can include hydroquinones, e.g.,p-benzoquinone, hydroquinone, hydroquinone monomethyl ether, and2,5-diphenyl-p-benzoquinone, N-oxyradicals, e.g.,tetramethylpiperidinyl-N-oxyradical (TEMPO), substituted catechols,e.g., t-butylcatechol, amines, e.g., phenothiazine, diphenylamine, andphenyl-β-naphthylamine, nitrosobenzene, picric acid, molecular oxygen,sulfur, and copper(II) chloride. Among them, hydroquinones,phenothiazine, and N-oxyradicals can be employed from the viewpoint ofversatility and inhibition of polymerization.

The lower limit of usage of the polymerization inhibitor is usually 10ppm or more, and preferably 50 ppm or more relative to theabove-described (meth)acrylate compound. The upper limit is usually10,000 ppm or less, and preferably 1,000 ppm or less. In the case wherethe usage is too small, the effect of the polymerization inhibitor isnot exerted or the effect is small, and there is a risk of proceeding ofpolymerization during reaction or during concentration in anaftertreatment step. In the case where the usage is too large, forexample, the inhibitor serves as an impurity in production of an opticalmaterial described later, and unfavorably, there is a risk of exertingadverse influences, e.g., inhibition of the polymerization reactivity.

Next, the features of the optical material organic compound according tothe present invention will be described.

The present inventors noted that in order to give a chromatic aberrationcorrection function higher than ever to an optical element, satisfactionof the following items (i) and (ii) by the material characteristics ofthe optical element was very effective in optical design.

-   (i) The transmittance in the visible light region is high-   (ii) The secondary dispersion characteristic (θg,F) is out of those    of common materials and is a larger characteristic (high θg,F    characteristic)

Specifically, the area B shown in FIG. 1 is mentioned, wherein therelationship between the Abbe number (ν_(d)) and the secondarydispersion characteristic (θg,F) is out of the plots with respect toglass materials or common organic resin materials. As for the specificcharacteristic, the 500 μm internal transmittance is 90% or more at 410nm. The characteristic of the area B is ν_(d)<25 and θg,F>0.70.

The present inventors performed intensive research on the materialssatisfying the characteristics within the area B shown in FIG. 1. As aresult, it was found that an aromatic compound having a long conjugatedstructure including at least one each of electron-withdrawingsubstituent and electron-donating substituent, which can be conjugated,served as a material having both the characteristics that the dispersioncharacteristic (Abbe number (ν_(d))) of the refractive index was high,the secondary dispersion characteristic (θg,F) was high (high θg,Fcharacteristic), and the chromatic aberration correction functiondelivered high performance and the practicality. That is, the presentinventors found a compound having the partial structure represented bythe following the following general formula (1A) or (2A) as a basicstructure.

In general, regarding the compound having a long conjugated structuretypified by an aromatic compound, the band gap is smaller than that of acommon material and, thereby, an absorption edge in the ultravioletregion is shifted to the visible light region side. Under the influencethereof, the compound having a long conjugated structure exhibits ahigh-refractive index characteristic. This high-refractive indexcharacteristic exerts a greater influence on the small wavelength sideand, inevitably, the secondary dispersion characteristic (θg,F)increases so that the characteristics of the compound fall in the area Bshown in FIG. 1. However, a practical material is not obtained by merelysimply coupling aromatic compounds so as to form a long conjugatedstructure. For example, a large aromatic compound has remaining problemsin synthetic property, compatibility with other compounds, and coloring.Therefore, an aromatic compound having a long conjugated structureincluding at least one each of electron-withdrawing substituent andelectron-donating substituent, which can be conjugated, is desirable.

As described above, from the viewpoint of improvement of the refractiveindex characteristic and the secondary dispersion characteristic, it isfavorable that the conjugation length of the compound is maximized.However, if the conjugated structure becomes too long, the transmittanceis reduced in the small wavelength side of the visible light region.Therefore, in the case of use as an optical material, it is necessarythat the length of the conjugated structure is adjusted. In this regard,the partial structures represented by the general formulae (1A) and (2A)have conjugation lengths suitable for the transmittance and therefractive index characteristic.

Meanwhile, examples of electron-withdrawing substituents, which can beconjugated, include sulfone, ketone, imine, oxime, nitrile, nitro, andester. In consideration of long-term stability of products, sulfone,ketone, nitrile, and ester are mentioned and, in particular, sulfone ismentioned. The compound represented by the general formula (1A) or (2A)includes sulfone as a partial structure.

Examples of electron-donating substituents, which can be conjugated,include a hydroxyl group, a mercapto group, an alkoxy group, analkylthio group, an alkyl group, an amino group, an alkylamino group, adialkylamino group, and a carbonyloxy group. In particular, a hydroxylgroup, a mercapto group, an alkoxy group, an alkylthio group, an alkylgroup, and a carbonyloxy group can be mentioned. However, if themolecular weight of the substituent is too large, a high secondarydispersion characteristic (θg,F) is not obtained. Consequently, thesubstituent is desirably a substituent having the carbon number of 0 to10. From the viewpoint of ease of synthesis, the substituent can havethe carbon number of 1 to 4. In the present invention, in particular, ahydroxyl group, a mercapto group, an alkoxy group having the carbonnumber of 1 to 4, and an alkylthio group having the carbon number of 1to 4 can be selected as the substituents.

Furthermore, H (hydrogen atom) shown in the general formulae (1) and (2)is necessary for adjusting the conjugated structure. Regarding othersubstituents, in some cases, the characteristics are not manifestedbecause conjugation is broken due to torsion of aromatic rings resultingfrom steric hindrance of the substituent concerned.

Next, the optical material according to the present invention will bedescribed.

The optical materials according to the present invention are roughlydivided into the following items (A) to (C).

-   (A) A material prepared by containing the optical material organic    compound according to the present invention into a matrix polymer-   (B) A material prepared by polymerizing the optical material organic    compound according to the present invention-   (C) A material prepared by copolymerizing the optical material    organic compound according to the present invention and another    compound

Among the optical material organic compounds according to the presentinvention, compounds not having a (meth)acryloyl group are used in theform (A). Meanwhile, among the optical material organic compoundsaccording to the present invention, compounds having a (meth)acryloylgroup can be used in any one of the forms (A) to (C), although merelythe form (B) or the form (C) is employed.

In the case where the optical material organic compound according to thepresent invention is used in the form (A), examples of matrix polymersinclude (meth)acrylic polymers; allyl based polymers; polyolefin basedresins, such as, ethylene homopolymers, random or block copolymers ofethylene and at least one type of α-olefin, e.g., propylene, 1-butene,1-pentene, 1-hexene, and 4-methyl-1-pentene, random or block copolymersof ethylene and at least one type of vinyl acetate, acrylic acid,methacrylic acid, methyl acrylate, or methyl methacrylate, propylenehomopolymers, random or block copolymers of propylene and at least onetype of α-olefin, e.g., 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, and4-methyl-1-pentene, other than propylene, 1-butene homopolymers, ionomerresins, and mixtures of these polymers; hydrocarbon based resins, e.g.,petroleum resins and terpene resins; polyester based resins, e.g.,polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, and polyethylenenaphthalate; polyamide based resins, e.g., nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon 11,nylon 12, nylon 610, nylon 6/66, nylon 66/610, and nylon MXD; acrylicresins, e.g., polymethyl methacrylate; styrene and acrylonitrile basedresins, e.g., polystyrene, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers,styrene-acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymers, and polyacrylonitrile;polyvinyl alcohol based resins, e.g., polyvinyl alcohol andethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers; polycarbonate resins; polyketoneresins; polymethylene oxide resins; polysulfone resins; polyimideresins; and polyamide imide resins. In this regard, the (meth)acrylicpolymer refers to a polymer prepared by polymerizing a (meth)acrylatecompound described later. The allyl based polymer refers to a polymerprepared by polymerizing an allyl compound described later. One type ofthese resins may be used alone or at least two types may be used incombination. These matrix polymers are selected appropriately inconsideration of the compatibility with the optical material organiccompound according to the present invention.

In the case where the optical material organic compound according to thepresent invention is used in the form (A), the content of the opticalmaterial organic compound according to the present invention relative tothe whole materials is selected appropriately in consideration of thecompatibility between the optical material organic compound according tothe present invention and the matrix polymer.

In the case where the optical material organic compound according to thepresent invention is used in the form (A), the content of the resinserving as the matrix polymer is 50 percent by weight or more, and 99percent by weight or less relative to the whole materials. It isdesirable that the content is 50 percent by weight or more, and 80percent by weight or less in consideration of the θg,F characteristic ofthe resulting optical material and the brittleness of a molded body.

In the case where the optical material organic compound according to thepresent invention is used in the form (B), the optical materialaccording to the present invention is produced from a compositionincluding the optical material organic compound according to the presentinvention ((meth)acrylate compound) and a polymerization initiator. Thiscomposition may further contain, a polymerization inhibitor, aphotosensitizer, a resin, and the like, as necessary.

Examples of polymerization initiators includes agents which generateradical species or cationic species through light irradiation and agentswhich generate radical species through heat, although not limited tothem.

Examples of polymerization initiators which generate radical speciesthrough light irradiation include2-benzyl-2-dimethylamino-1-(4-morpholinophenyl)-1-butanone,1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl-phenyl ketone,2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenyl-propan-1-one,bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)-phenylphosphine oxide, 4-phenylbenzophenone,4-phenoxybenzophenone, 4,4′-diphenylbenzophenone, and4,4′-diphenoxybenzophenone, although not limited to them.

As for the polymerization initiators which generate cationic speciesthrough light irradiation,iodonium(4-methylphenyl)[4-(2-methylpropyl)phenyl]-hexafluoro phosphateis mentioned as a favorable polymerization initiator, although notlimited to this.

Examples of polymerization initiators which generate radical speciesthrough heat include azo compounds, e.g., azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN),and peroxides, e.g., benzoyl peroxide, t-butyl peroxypivalate, t-butylperoxyneohexanoate, t-hexyl peroxyneohexanoate, t-butylperoxyneodecanoate, t-hexyl peroxyneodecanoate, cumylperoxyneohexanoate, and cumyl peroxyneodecanoate, although not limitedto them.

In the case where the optical material organic compound according to thepresent invention is used in the form (B), the content of the opticalmaterial organic compound according to the present invention isdesirably 1.0 percent by weight or more, and 99 percent by weight orless, and preferably 50 percent by weight or more, and 99 percent byweight or less.

Regarding the optical material according to the present invention, inthe case where the optical material organic compound according to thepresent invention is used in the form (B), the quantity of addition ofthe photopolymerization initiator used for curing and molding of theoptical material according to the present invention is preferably withinthe range of 0.01 percent by weight or more, and 10.00 percent by weightor less relative to a polymerizable component. One type of thephotopolymerization initiator may be used alone or at least two typesmay be used in combination in accordance with the reactivity of theresin and the wavelength of light irradiation.

Regarding the optical material according to the present invention, inthe case where the optical material organic compound according to thepresent invention is used in the form (B), the polymerization initiatordescribed above as a preservative of the optical material organiccompound according to the present invention is mentioned as thepolymerization initiator used.

In the case where polymerization is initiated by applying ultravioletrays or the like as light, a sensitizer or the like in the related artmay also be used. Typical examples of sensitizers include benzophenone,4,4-diethylaminobenzophenone, 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone, isoamylp-dimethylaminobenzoate, methyl 4-dimethylaminobenzoate, benzoin,benzoin ethyl ether, benzoin isobutyl ether, benzoin isopropyl ether,2,2-diethoxyacetophenone, methyl o-benzoylbenzoate,2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenylpropan-1-one, and acylphosphine oxide.

The ratio of addition of the photopolymerization initiator relative tothe polymerizable resin component can be selected appropriately inaccordance with the quantity of light irradiation and an additiveheating temperature. The adjustment can also be performed in accordancewith the desired average molecular weight of the resulting polymer.

The quantity of addition of the photopolymerization initiator used forcuring and molding of the optical material according to the presentinvention is preferably within the range of 0.01 percent by weight ormore, and 10.00 percent by weight or less relative to the polymerizablecomponent. One type of the photopolymerization initiator may be usedalone or at least two types may be used in combination in accordancewith the reactivity of the resin and the wavelength of lightirradiation.

In the case where the optical material organic compound according to thepresent invention is used in the form (C), a compound subjected tocopolymerization with the optical material organic compound according tothe present invention is not specifically limited. Examples thereofinclude (meth)acrylate compounds, e.g., 1,3-adamantanedioldimethacrylate, 1,3-adamantanedimethanol dimethacrylate, tricyclodecanedimethanol diacrylate, pentaerithritol tetraacrylate, propoxylatedneopentyl glycol diacrylate, dipropylene glycol diacrylate, ethoxylatedbisphenol A dimethacrylate, tris(2-hydroxyethyl)isocyanuratetriacrylate, 2(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethyl acrylate, stearyl acrylate,tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate, 2-phenoxyethyl acrylate, isodecyl acrylate,isobonyl acrylate, isobonyl methacrylate, 1,3-butylene glycoldiacrylate, 1,4-butanediol diacrylate, diethylene glycol diacrylate,1,6-hexanediol diacrylate, triethylene glycol diacrylate, tripropyleneglycol diacrylate, dipropylene glycol diacrylate, triethylene glycoldimethacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, tetraethylene glycoldimethacrylate, 1,4-butanediol dimethacrylate, diethylene glycoldimethacrylate, 1,6-hexanediol dimethacrylate, tripropylene glycoldimethacrylate, dipropylene glycol dimethacrylate, trimethylolpropanetrimethacrylate, 9,9-bis[4-(2-acryloyloxyethoxy)phenyl]fluorene,9,9-bis[4-(2-methacryloyloxyethoxy)phenyl]fluorene,9,9-bis[4-(2-acryloyloxy)phenyl]fluorene,9,9-bis[4-(2-methacryloyloxy)phenyl]fluorene, benzyl acrylate, benzylmethacrylate, butoxyethyl acrylate, butoxymethyl methacrylate,cyclohexyl acrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate,2-hydroxymethyl methacrylate, glycidyl acrylate, glycidyl methacrylate,phenoxyethyl acrylate, phenoxyethyl methacrylate, phenyl methacrylate,ethylene glycol diacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, diethyleneglycol diacrylate, diethylene glycol dimethacrylate, triethylene glycoldiacrylate, triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, tetraethylene glycoldiacrylate, tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate, polyethylene glycoldimethacrylate, polyethylene glycol diacrylate, neopentyl glycoldiacrylate, neopentyl glycol dimethacrylate, ethylene glycol bisglycidylacrylate, ethylene glycol bisglycidyl methacrylate, bisphenol Adiacrylate, bisphenol A dimethacrylate, 2,2-bis(4-acryloxyethoxyphenyl)propane, 2,2-bis(4-methacryloxyethoxy phenyl)propane,2,2-bis(4-acryloxydiethoxy phenyl)propane,2,2-bis(4-methacryloxydiethoxy phenyl)propane, bisphenol F diacrylate,bisphenol F dimethacrylate, 1,1-bis(4-acryloxyethoxy phenyl)methane,1,1-bis(4-methacryloxyethoxy phenyl)methane, 1,1-bis(4-acryloxydiethoxyphenyl)methane, 1,1-bis(4-acryloxyethoxy phenyl)sulfone,1,1-bis(4-acryloxyethoxy phenyl)sulfone, 1,1-bis(4-methacryloxyethoxyphenyl)sulfone, 1,1-bis(4-acryloxydiethoxy phenyl)sulfone,1,1-bis(4-methacryloxydiethoxy phenyl)sulfone, dimethyloltricyclodecanediacrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, trimethylolpropanetrimethacrylate, glycerol diacrylate, glycerol dimethacrylate,pentaerithritol triacrylate, pentaerithritol tetraacrylate,pentaerithritol tetramethacrylate, methylthio acrylate, methylthiomethacrylate, phenylthio acrylate, benzylthio methacrylate,xylylenedithiol diacrylate, xylylenedithiol dimethacrylate,mercaptoethylsulfide diacrylate, and mercaptoethylsulfidedimethacrylate, allyl compounds, e.g., allyl glycidyl ether, diallylphthalate, diallyl terephthalate, diallyl isophthalate, diallylcarbonate, and diethylene glycol bisallyl carbonate, vinyl compounds,e.g., styrene, chlorostyrene, methylstyrene, bromostyrene,dibromostyrene, divinyl benzene, and 3,9-divinylspirobi(m-dioxane), anddiisopropenyl benzene. However, the present invention is not limited tothem.

The above-described resin may be a thermoplastic resin. Examples thereofinclude polyolefin based resins, such as, ethylene homopolymers, randomor block copolymers of ethylene and at least one type of α-olefin, e.g.,propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, and 4-methyl-1-pentene, randomor block copolymers of ethylene and at least one type of vinyl acetate,acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, methyl acrylate, or methyl methacrylate,propylene homopolymers, random or block copolymers of propylene and atleast one type of α-olefin, e.g., 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, and4-methyl-1-pentene, other than propylene, 1-butene homopolymers, ionomerresins, and mixtures of these polymers; hydrocarbon based resins, e.g.,petroleum resins and terpene resins; polyester based resins, e.g.,polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, and polyethylenenaphthalate; polyamide based resins, e.g., nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon 11,nylon 12, nylon 610, nylon 6/66, nylon 66/610, and nylon MXD; acrylicresins, e.g., polymethyl methacrylate; styrene and acrylonitrile basedresins, e.g., polystyrene, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers,styrene-acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymers, and polyacrylonitrile;polyvinyl alcohol based resins, e.g., polyvinyl alcohol andethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers; polycarbonate resins; polyketoneresins; polymethylene oxide resins; polysulfone resins; polyimideresins; and polyamide imide resins. One type of these resins may be usedalone or at least two types may be used in combination.

In the case where the optical material organic compound according to thepresent invention is used in the form (C), the content of the compoundcopolymerized with the optical material organic compound according tothe present invention is 1.0 percent by weight or more, and 80 percentby weight or less relative to the whole materials. The content ispreferably 1.0 percent by weight or more, and 30 percent by weight orless in consideration of the θg,F characteristic of the resultingoptical material and the brittleness of a molded body.

Next, the optical element according to the present invention will bedescribed with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematicdiagrams showing examples of the optical element according to thepresent invention. Regarding the optical element shown in FIG. 2A, athin film (optical member 10) prepared by molding the optical materialaccording to the present invention is disposed on one surface of a lenssubstrate 20. As for a method for producing the optical element shown inFIG. 2A, for example, a method in which a layer structure having a smallfilm thickness is formed on a substrate composed of a light-transmittingmaterial is adopted. Specifically, a mold formed from a metal materialis disposed at a predetermined distance from a glass substrate, andmolding is performed by filling a fluid optical material or opticalresin composition into a gap between the mold and the glass substrateand pressing lightly. Then, the optical material or the optical resincomposition is polymerized while that state is maintained, as necessary.The light irradiation for the above-described polymerization reaction isperformed by using light, usually ultraviolet rays or visible light,with a wavelength suitable for a mechanism resulting from radicalgeneration by using a photopolymerization initiator. For example, themolded material, e.g., a monomer for preparation of an optical material,is irradiated with light uniformly through a light-transmitting materialused as the above-described substrate, specifically a glass substrate.The quantity of light irradiation is selected appropriately inaccordance with the mechanism resulting from radical generation by usinga photopolymerization initiator and the content of thephotopolymerization initiator contained.

In production of a molded body of the optical material through theabove-described photopolymerization reaction, it is advantageous thatthe light is uniformly applied to the whole raw materials, e.g., amonomer, in a mold for molding. Therefore, the light with a wavelengthcapable of performing uniform light irradiation through thelight-transmitting material used for the substrate, e.g., a glasssubstrate, can be selected. At this time, it is more favorable that thethickness of the molded body of the optical material disposed on thesubstrate composed of a light-transmitting material is reduced.

Meanwhile, regarding the optical element shown in FIG. 2B, a thin film(optical member 10) prepared by molding the optical material accordingto the present invention is disposed between a lens substrate 30 and alens substrate 40. As for a method for producing the optical elementshown in FIG. 2B, for example, molding is performed by pouring anuncured resin composition, which is the same as that described above, orthe like between the surface in the resin composition side of theabove-described molded body and another lens substrate opposite theretoand pressing lightly. Then, the uncured resin composition isphotopolymerized while this state is maintained. In this manner, amolded body in which the above-described optical material is sandwichedbetween lenses can be obtained.

Likewise, a molded body can be produced by a heat polymerization method.In this case, it is desirable that the temperature of the whole is mademore uniform. Regarding the present invention, it is more favorable thatthe total thickness of the molded body, which is disposed on thesubstrate of a light-transmitting material, of a polymerizablecomposition is reduced. In the case where the total thickness of theresulting molded body of the optical material is increased, it isnecessary that the quantity of irradiation, the irradiation intensity,the light source, and the like are selected in further consideration offilm thickness, absorption of the resin component, and absorption offine particle component.

In the case where the molded body of the optical material containing theoptical material organic compound according to the present invention isformed, the molding method is not specifically limited, although meltmolding can be particularly employed in order to obtain a molded bodyexcellent in characteristics, e.g., the low birefringence, themechanical strength, and dimensional accuracy. Examples of the meltmolding method include press molding, extrusion, and injection molding,although injection molding can be employed from the viewpoint of themoldability and the productivity. The molding condition in a moldingstep is selected appropriately in accordance with the purpose of use ora molding method, although the temperature of the resin composition inthe injection molding is preferably within the range of 150° C. to 400°C., more preferably within the range of 200° C. to 350° C., andparticularly preferably within the range of 200° C. to 330° C. Moldingwithin the above-described temperature range can give appropriatefluidity to the resin in the molding so as to prevent occurrences ofsink mark and strain of the molded body and an occurrence of silverstreak due to thermal decomposition of the resin and, furthermore, canprevent yellowing of the molded body effectively.

The molded body produced from the optical material according to thepresent invention by the above-described molding method can be used asan optical element. Examples of uses of the optical element includecamera lenses.

EXAMPLES

The present invention will be described below in further detail withreference to examples. However, the present invention is not limited tothe examples described below within the bounds of not exceeding the gistthereof. Individual abbreviations in reaction formulae represent thefollowing. The molecular structure of synthesized compounds wereanalyzed by using JNM-ECA400 NMR produced by JEOL LTD.

-   THF: tetrahydrofuran-   DMF: N,N′-dimethylformamide-   TsOH: paratoluenesulfonic acid hydrate

Synthesis Example 1 Synthesis of 4,4′-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)diphenylsulfone

The following reagents and solvents were put into a reaction container.

-   4,4′-dichlorodiphenyl sulfone: 15 g-   4-hydroxyphenylboric acid: 21 g-   sodium hydrogen carbonate: 33 g-   1,4-dioxane: 500 ml-   water: 250 ml-   tetrakistriphenylphosphine palladium: 2.5 g

Subsequently, the reaction solution was heated to 90° C. and agitationwas performed at this temperature (90° C.) for 20 hours. At this time,the degree of proceeding of the reaction was ascertained with thin layerchromatography (hereafter referred to as TLC) appropriately. After thereaction was completed, the reaction solution was diluted with water.Thereafter, an organic phase was recovered through solvent extraction.The resulting organic phase was washed with water and saturated salinesolution in that order and was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate.Then, a residue obtained by concentration of the organic phase underreduced pressure was subjected to recrystallization with a mixedsolution of hexane and ethyl acetate, so that 20 g (yield 95%) of lightyellow crystal of 4,4′-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)diphenyl sulfone (hereafterreferred to as Intermediate compound D1) was obtained.

Synthesis Example 2 Synthesis of4-(2-tetrahydropyranyloxyethylthio)-phenylboric acid pinacol ester

(1) The following reagent and solvent were put into a reactioncontainer.

-   sodium hydride (55%): 6.2 g-   N,N-dimethylformamide: 200 ml

After the reaction solution was cooled to 0° C., 25 g of4-bromothiophenol was added gradually. Subsequently, the reactionsolution was agitated while the temperature was raised to roomtemperature. After 24 ml of 2-(2-bromoethoxy)tetrahydro-2H-pyran wasadded, the temperature of the reaction solution was raised to 40° C.,and agitation was performed at this temperature (40° C.) for 12 hours.At this time, the degree of proceeding of the reaction was ascertainedwith TLC appropriately. Then, the reaction was terminated with water,and an organic phase was extracted with ethyl acetate. The resultingorganic phase was washed with water and saturated saline solution inthat order and was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate. A crudeproduct obtained by concentrating the organic phase under reducedpressure was refined through column chromatography, so that 44 g of4-(2-tetrahydropyranyloxyethylthio)-bromobenzene was obtained. Theresulting compound was used as-is in the following step.

(2) The compound obtained in the item (1) and 400 ml of tetrahydrofuranwere put into a reaction container. After the reaction solution wascooled to −78° C., 64 ml of butyl lithium (2.6 M) was dropped gradually.Subsequently, the reaction solution was agitated at the same temperature(−78° C.) for further 2 hours. After 35 ml of2-isopropoxy-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolane was dropped, thereaction solution was agitated for 12 hours while the temperature wasraised to room temperature gradually. At this time, the degree ofproceeding of the reaction was ascertained with TLC appropriately. Then,the reaction was terminated with an ammonium chloride aqueous solution,and an organic phase was extracted with ethyl acetate. The resultingorganic phase was washed with water and saturated saline solution inthat order and was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate. A crudeproduct obtained by concentrating the organic phase under reducedpressure was refined through column chromatography, so that 31 g (yield64%) of 4-(2-tetrahydropyranyloxyethylthio)-phenylboric acid pinacolester (hereafter referred to as Intermediate compound D2) was obtained.

Synthesis Example 3 Synthesis of 4-(4-hydroxyphenylsulfonyl)phenyltrifluoromethanesulfonate

The following reagents and solvent were put into a reaction container.

-   4,4′-dihydroxydiphenyl sulfone: 25 g-   trifluoromethanesulfonyl chloride: 12 ml-   chloroform: 200 ml

After the reaction solution was cooled to 0° C., 15 ml of trimethylaminewas dropped gradually. Subsequently, the reaction solution was agitatedat the same temperature (0° C.) for 1 hour. Thereafter, the temperatureof the reaction solution was raised to room temperature and agitationwas performed for further 5 hours. At this time, the degree ofproceeding of the reaction was ascertained with TLC appropriately. Then,the reaction was terminated with an ammonium chloride aqueous solution,and an organic phase was extracted with ethyl acetate. The resultingorganic phase was washed with water and saturated saline solution inthat order and was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate. A crudeproduct obtained by concentrating the organic phase under reducedpressure was refined through column chromatography, so that 17 g (yield45%) of 4-(4-hydroxyphenylsulfonyl)phenyl trifluoromethanesulfonate(hereafter referred to as Intermediate compound D3) was obtained.

Synthesis Example 4 Synthesis of4,4′-bis(3-hydroxymethyl-4-methoxyphenyl)diphenyl sulfone

(1) The following reagents and solvent were put into a reactioncontainer.

-   4,4′-dihydroxydiphenyl sulfone: 25 g-   trifluoromethanesulfonyl chloride: 25 ml-   chloroform: 300 ml

After the reaction solution was cooled to 0° C., 42 ml of trimethylaminewas dropped gradually. Subsequently, the reaction solution was agitatedat the same temperature (0° C.) for 1 hour. Thereafter, the temperatureof the reaction solution was raised to room temperature and agitationwas performed for further 5 hours. At this time, the degree ofproceeding of the reaction was ascertained with TLC appropriately. Then,the reaction was terminated with an ammonium chloride aqueous solution,and an organic phase was extracted with ethyl acetate. The resultingorganic phase was washed with water and saturated saline solution inthat order and was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate. A crudeproduct obtained by concentrating the organic phase under reducedpressure was subjected to recrystallization with a hexane/ethyl acetatemixed solution, so that 49 g (yield 94%) ofdiphenylsulfon-4,4′-diylbis(trifluoromethane sulfonate) was obtained.The resulting compound was used as-is in the following step.

(2) The following reagents and solvents were put into a reactioncontainer.

-   diphenylsulfon-4,4′-diylbis(trifluoromethane sulfonate (the compound    synthesized in the item (1) was used as-is): 28 g-   3-formyl-4-methoxyphenylboric acid: 25 g-   sodium hydrogen carbonate: 30 g-   tetrakistriphenylphosphine palladium: 1.3 g-   1,4-dioxane: 500 ml-   water: 250 ml

Subsequently, the reaction solution was heated to 80° C. and agitationwas performed at this temperature (80° C.) for 3 hours. At this time,the degree of proceeding of the reaction was ascertained with TLCappropriately. After 250 ml of water was added, the reaction solutionwas agitated at 80° C. for 1 hour. Thereafter, the resulting crystal(crude crystal) was filtrated and recovered. The resulting crude crystalwas washed with ethanol and was subjected to recrystallization with ahexane/ethyl acetate mixed solvent, so that a light gray crystal wasobtained.

Then, the resulting light gray crystal and solvents described below wereput into a reaction container.

-   methanol: 200 ml-   tetrahydrofuran: 200 ml

After the reaction solution was cooled to 0° C., 12 g of sodiumborohydride was added gradually. Subsequently, the reaction solution wasagitated at the same temperature (0° C.) while the degree of proceedingof the reaction was ascertained with TLC. After proceeding of thereaction was ascertained, 2 N hydrochloric acid aqueous solution wasadded. Then, the reaction solution was agitated at room temperature for1 hour. A generated crystal was washed with sodium hydrogen carbonateaqueous solution and water in that order. Subsequently,recrystallization with an ethanol/ethyl acetate/hexane mixed solvent wasperformed, so that 48 g (yield 90%) of4,4′-bis(3-hydroxymethyl-4-methoxyphenyl)diphenyl sulfone (hereafterreferred to as Intermediate compound D4) was obtained.

Example 1

The synthesis scheme of a compound synthesized in Example 1 will bedescribed below. Furthermore, a specific synthesis method will beexplained below.

(1) The following reagent and solvent were put into a reactioncontainer.

-   sodium hydride (55%): 620 mg-   N,N-dimethylformamide: 30 ml

After the reaction solution was cooled to 0° C., Intermediate compoundD1 (2.3 g) was added gradually. Subsequently, the reaction solution wasagitated while the temperature was raised to room temperature. Then, 2.7ml of 2-(2-bromoethoxy)tetrahydro-2H-pyran was added, the reactionsolution was heated to 60° C., and agitation was performed at thistemperature (60° C.) for 12 hours. At this time, the degree ofproceeding of the reaction was ascertained with TLC appropriately.Thereafter, the reaction was terminated with water, and an organic phasewas extracted with ethyl acetate. The resulting organic phase was washedwith water and saturated saline solution in that order and was driedwith anhydrous magnesium sulfate. The organic phase was concentratedunder reduced pressure so as to obtain a crude product. The thusobtained crude product was used as-is in the following step.

(2) The crude product obtained in the item (1) and the following reagentand solvents were put into a reaction container.

-   tetrahydrofuran: 10 ml-   methanol: 40 ml-   paratoluenesulfonic acid hydrate: a small amount

Subsequently, the reaction solution was agitated at room temperature for12 hours. The degree of proceeding of the reaction was ascertained withTLC appropriately. Then, generated precipitates were filtrated, and theprecipitates were subjected to recrystallization with achloroform/hexane mixed solution, so that 2.3 g (yield 82%) of4,4′-bis(4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl)diphenyl sulfone was obtained.

(3) The following reagents and solvent were put into a reactioncontainer.

-   4,4′-bis(4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl)diphenyl sulfone: 3.0 g-   methacrylic acid: 30 ml-   paratoluenesulfonic acid: 0.2 g-   4-methoxyphenol: 0.2 g-   toluene: 30 ml

Then, the reaction solution was heated and agitated for 20 hours. Atthis time, generated water was removed appropriately, and the degree ofproceeding of the reaction was ascertained with TLC appropriately. Thereaction solution was neutralized by adding a sodium hydroxide aqueoussolution, and an organic phase was extracted with chloroform. Theresulting organic phase was washed with water and saturated salinesolution in that order and was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate.Next, a crude product obtained by concentrating the organic phase underreduced pressure was refined through column chromatography, so that 2.1g (yield 55%) of 4,4′-bis(4-(2-methacryloyloxyethoxy)phenyl)diphenylsulfone was obtained.

The structure of the resulting compound was ascertained with ¹H-NMR.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃; TMS): δ 1.95 (s, 6H), 4.27 (t, 4H), 4.52 (t, 4H), 5.59(s, 2H), 6.14 (s, 2H), 6.99-7.01 (m, 4H), 7.25-7.26 (m, 4H), 7.50-7.53(m, 4H), 7.65-7.67 (m, 4H), 7.98-8.02 (m, 4H)

Example 2

The synthesis scheme of a compound synthesized in Example 1 will bedescribed below. Furthermore, a specific synthesis method will beexplained below.

(1) The following reagents and solvents were put into a reactioncontainer.

-   Intermediate compound D3: 5 g-   Intermediate compound D2: 6 g-   sodium hydrogen carbonate: 4 g-   dioxane: 150 ml-   water: 70 ml-   tetrakistriphenylphosphine palladium: 0.3 g

Subsequently, the reaction solution was heated to 90° C. and agitationwas performed at this temperature (90° C.) for 20 hours. At this time,the degree of proceeding of the reaction was ascertained with TLCappropriately. Then, the reaction was terminated with an ammoniumchloride aqueous solution, and an organic phase was extracted with ethylacetate. The resulting organic phase was washed with water and saturatedsaline solution in that order and was dried with anhydrous magnesiumsulfate. A crude product obtained by concentrating the organic phaseunder reduced pressure was refined through column chromatography. Thecompound obtained through this refining was used as-is in the followingstep.

(2) The following reagent and solvent were put into a reactioncontainer.

-   sodium hydride: 0.6 g-   N,N-dimethylformamide: 100 ml

After the reaction solution was cooled to 0° C., the compound obtainedin the item (1) was added gradually. Subsequently, the reaction solutionwas agitated for 2 hours while the temperature was raised to roomtemperature. Then, 2.4 ml of 2-(2-bromoethoxy)tetrahydro-2H-pyran wasadded, the reaction solution was heated to 60° C., and agitation wasperformed at this temperature (60° C.) for 10 hours. At this time, thedegree of proceeding of the reaction was ascertained with TLCappropriately. Thereafter, the reaction was terminated with an ammoniumchloride aqueous solution, and an organic phase was extracted with ethylacetate. The resulting organic phase was washed with water and saturatedsaline solution in that order and was dried with anhydrous magnesiumsulfate. The organic phase was concentrated under reduced pressure so asto obtain a crude product. The resulting crude product was used as-is inthe following step.

(3) The crude product obtained in the item (2) and the following reagentand solvents were put into a reaction container.

-   tetrahydrofuran: 10 ml-   methanol: 40 ml-   paratoluenesulfonic acid: a small amount

Subsequently, the reaction solution was agitated at room temperature for10 hours. At this time, the degree of proceeding of the reaction wasascertained with TLC appropriately. Then, generated precipitates werefiltrated and recovered and were subjected to recrystallization with achloroform/hexane mixed solvent, so that 4.1 g (yield 73%) of4-(4-(2-hydroxyethylthio)phenyl)-4′-(2-hydroxyethyloxy)diphenyl sulfonewas obtained.

(4) In Example 1 (3),4-(4-(2-hydroxyethylthio)phenyl)-4′-(2-hydroxyethyloxy)diphenyl sulfonewas used in place of 4,4′-bis(4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl)diphenylsulfone. Synthesis was performed in a manner similar to that in Example1 (3) except this, so as to obtain 2.5 g (yield 63%) of4-(4-(2-methacryloyloxyethylthio)phenyl)-4′-(2-methacryloyloxyethyloxy)diphenylsulfone. In the present example, the usage of methacrylic acid was 20ml.

The structure of the resulting compound was ascertained with ¹H-NMR.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃; TMS): δ 1.92 (s, 3H), 1.95 (s, 3H), 3.22 (t, 2H), 4.25(t, 2H), 4.27 (t, 2H), 4.50 (t, 2H), 5.57 (d, 1H), 5.58 (d, 1H), 6.12(d, 1H), 6.12 (d, 1H), 6.94-7.03 (m, 4H), 7.47-7.67 (m, 4H), 7.89-7.99(m, 4H)

Example 3

The synthesis scheme of a compound synthesized in Example 3 will bedescribed below. Furthermore, a specific synthesis method will beexplained below.

(1) The following reagents and solvents were put into a reactioncontainer.

-   4,4′-dichlorodiphenyl sulfone: 10 g-   4-hydroxyphenylboric acid: 5.8 g-   sodium hydrogen carbonate: 10 g-   dioxane: 400 ml-   water: 200 ml-   tetrakistriphenylphosphine palladium: 0.8 g

Subsequently, the reaction solution was heated to 90° C. and agitationwas performed at this temperature (90° C.) for 10 hours. At this time,the degree of proceeding of the reaction was ascertained with TLCappropriately. Then, the reaction was terminated with an ammoniumchloride aqueous solution, and an organic phase was extracted with ethylacetate. The resulting organic phase was washed with water and saturatedsaline solution in that order and was dried with anhydrous magnesiumsulfate. A crude product obtained by concentrating the organic phaseunder reduced pressure was refined through column chromatography. Thethus obtained product was used as-is in the following step.

(2) The following reagent and solvent were put into a reactioncontainer.

-   sodium hydride: 1.4 g-   N,N-dimethylformamide: 200 ml

After the reaction solution was cooled to 0° C., the compound obtainedin the item (1) was added gradually. Subsequently, the reaction solutionwas agitated for 2 hours while the temperature of the reaction solutionwas raised to room temperature. Then, 6.4 ml of2-(2-bromoethoxy)tetrahydro-2H-pyran was added, the reaction solutionwas heated to 60° C., and agitation was performed at this temperature(60° C.) for 5 hours. At this time, the degree of proceeding of thereaction was ascertained with TLC appropriately. Thereafter, thereaction was terminated with an ammonium chloride aqueous solution, andan organic phase was extracted with ethyl acetate. The resulting organicphase was washed with water and saturated saline solution in that orderand was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate. A crude product obtainedby concentrating the organic phase under reduced pressure was refinedthrough column chromatography. The thus obtained product was used as-isin the following step.

(3) The product obtained in the item (2) and the following reagents andsolvents were put into a reaction container.

-   Intermediate compound D2: 6.6 g-   sodium hydrogen carbonate: 4.5 g-   dioxane: 300 ml-   water: 150 ml-   tetrakistriphenylphosphine palladium: 0.3 g

Subsequently, the reaction solution was heated to 90° C. and agitationwas performed at this temperature (90° C.) for 20 hours. At this time,the degree of proceeding of the reaction was ascertained with TLCappropriately. Then, the reaction was terminated with an ammoniumchloride aqueous solution, and an organic phase was extracted with ethylacetate. The resulting organic phase was washed with water and saturatedsaline solution in that order and was dried with anhydrous magnesiumsulfate. A crude product obtained by concentrating the organic phaseunder reduced pressure was refined through column chromatography. Thethus obtained product was used as-is in the following step.

(4) The product obtained in the item (3) and the following reagent andsolvents were put into a reaction container.

-   tetrahydrofuran: 10 ml-   methanol: 40 ml-   paratoluenesulfonic acid: a small amount

Subsequently, the reaction solution was agitated at room temperature for12 hours. The degree of proceeding of the reaction was ascertained withTLC appropriately. After generated precipitates were filtrated andrecovered, the resulting precipitates were subjected torecrystallization with a chloroform/hexane mixed solvent, so that 5 g(yield 28%) of4-(4-(2-hydroxyethylthio)phenyl)-4′-(4-(2-hydroxyethyloxy)phenyl)diphenylsulfone was obtained.

(5) In Example 1 (3),4-(4-(2-hydroxyethylthio)phenyl)-4′-(4-(2-hydroxyethyloxy)phenyl)diphenylsulfone (2.0 g) was used in place of4,4′-bis(4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl)diphenyl sulfone. Synthesis wasperformed in a manner similar to that in Example 1 (3) except this, soas to obtain 0.8 g (yield 31%) of4-(4-(2-methacryloyloxyethylthio)phenyl)-4′-(4-(2-methacryloyloxyethyloxy)phenyl)diphenylsulfone. In the present example, the usage of methacrylic acid was 20ml.

The structure of the resulting compound was ascertained with ¹H-NMR.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃; TMS): δ 1.91 (s, 3H), 1.95 (s, 3H), 3.24 (t, 2H), 4.27(t, 2H), 4.35 (t, 2H), 4.52 (t, 2H), 5.56-5.60 (m, 2H), 6.09-6.13 (m,2H), 6.98-7.02 (m, 2H), 7.45-7.69 (m, 12H), 7.98-8.02 (m, 2H)

Example 4

The synthesis scheme of a compound synthesized in Example 4 will bedescribed below. Furthermore, a specific synthesis method will beexplained below.

(1) The following reagents and solvents were put into a reactioncontainer.

-   4,4′-dichlorodiphenyl sulfone: 13 g-   Intermediate compound D2: 50 g-   sodium hydrogen carbonate: 29 g-   dioxane: 400 ml-   water: 200 ml-   tetrakistriphenylphosphine palladium: 2.1 g

Subsequently, the reaction solution was heated to 90° C. and agitationwas performed at this temperature (90° C.) for 20 hours. At this time,the degree of proceeding of the reaction was ascertained with TLCappropriately. Then, the reaction was terminated with an ammoniumchloride aqueous solution, and an organic phase was extracted with ethylacetate. The resulting organic phase was washed with water and saturatedsaline solution in that order and was dried with anhydrous magnesiumsulfate. A crude product obtained by concentrating the organic phaseunder reduced pressure was refined through column chromatography. Thethus obtained product was used as-is in the following step.

(2) The product obtained in the item (1) and the following reagent andsolvents were put into a reaction container.

-   tetrahydrofuran: 30 ml-   methanol: 100 ml-   paratoluenesulfonic acid: a small amount

Subsequently, the reaction solution was agitated at room temperature for12 hours. At this time, the degree of proceeding of the reaction wasascertained with TLC appropriately. After generated precipitates werefiltrated and recovered, recrystallization with a chloroform/hexanemixed solvent was performed, so that 19 g (yield 74%) of4,4′-bis(4-(2-hydroxyethylthio)phenyl)diphenyl sulfone was obtained.

(3) In Example 1 (3), 4,4′-bis(4-(2-hydroxyethylthio)phenyl)diphenylsulfone was used in place of 4,4′-bis(4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl)diphenylsulfone. Synthesis was performed in a manner similar to that in Example1 (3) except this, so as to obtain 3.0 g (yield 80%) of4,4′-bis(4-(2-methacryloyloxyethylthio)phenyl)diphenyl sulfone. In thepresent example, the usages of methacrylic acid and toluene were 29 mland 40 ml, respectively.

The structure of the resulting compound was ascertained with ¹H-NMR.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃; TMS): δ 1.91 (s, 6H), 3.22 (t, 4H), 4.35 (t, 4H), 5.56(s, 2H), 6.07 (s, 2H), 7.42-7.52 (m, 8H), 7.65-7.71 (m, 4H), 8.00-8.05(m, 4H)

Example 9

The synthesis scheme of a compound synthesized in Example 9 will bedescribed below. Furthermore, a specific synthesis method will beexplained below.

(1) The following reagent and solvent were put into a reactioncontainer.

-   sodium hydride (55%): 2.5 g-   N,N-dimethylformamide: 200 ml

After the reaction solution was cooled to 0° C., Intermediate compoundD1 (10 g) was added gradually. Subsequently, the reaction solution wasagitated while the temperature was raised to room temperature. Then, 5.4ml of 3-bromopropanol was added, the reaction solution was heated to 50°C., and agitation was performed at this temperature (50° C.) for 12hours. At this time, the degree of proceeding of the reaction wasascertained with TLC appropriately. Thereafter, the reaction wasterminated with water, and an organic phase was extracted with ethylacetate. The resulting organic phase was washed with water and saturatedsaline solution in that order and was dried with anhydrous magnesiumsulfate. A crude product obtained by concentrating the organic phaseunder reduced pressure was subjected to recrystallization with ahexane/ethyl acetate mixed solution, so that a white crystal wasobtained. The thus obtained white crystal was used as-is in thefollowing step.

(2) In Example 5 (3), the white crystal obtained in the item (1) in thepresent example was used in place of4,4′-bis(4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl)diphenyl sulfone. In a manner similarto that in Example 5 (3) except this, 11.5 g (yield 71%) of4,4′-bis(4-(3-methacryloyloxypropoxy)phenyl)diphenyl sulfone wasobtained. In the present example, the usages of methacrylic acid,paratoluenesulfonic acid, methoxyphenol, and toluene were 90 ml, 0.6 g,0.6 g, and 90 ml, respectively.

The structure of the resulting compound was ascertained with ¹H-NMR.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃; TMS): δ 1.94 (s, 6H), 2.19 (dt, 4H), 4.11 (t, 4H), 4.36(t, 4H), 5.56 (br, 2H), 6.11 (br, 2H), 6.94-6.99 (m, 4H), 7.45-7.54 (m,4H), 7.63-7.69 (m, 4H), 7.96-8.03 (m, 4H)

Example 5

The synthesis scheme of a compound synthesized in Example 5 will bedescribed below. Furthermore, a specific synthesis method will beexplained below.

(1) The following reagents and solvents were put into a reactioncontainer.

-   4,4′-dichlorodiphenyl sulfone: 10 g-   2-methoxy-4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxabororan-2-yl)phenol: 25    g-   sodium hydrogen carbonate: 25 g-   1,4-dioxane: 500 ml-   water: 250 ml-   tetrakistriphenylphosphine palladium: 2.5 g

Subsequently, the reaction solution was heated to 90° C. and agitationwas performed at this temperature (90° C.) for 20 hours. At this time,the degree of proceeding of the reaction was ascertained with TLCappropriately. Then, the reaction solution was diluted with water, andan organic phase was recovered through solvent extraction. The resultingorganic phase was washed with water and saturated saline solution inthat order. The organic phase was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfateand was concentrated under reduced pressure, so as to produce a crudeproduct. Thereafter, the resulting crude product was subjected torecrystallization with a hexane/ethyl acetate mixed solvent, so that4,4′-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)diphenyl sulfone was obtained as alight yellow crystal. The thus obtained light yellow crystal was usedas-is in the following step.

(2) The following reagent and solvent were put into a reactioncontainer.

-   sodium hydride (55%): 5.1 g-   N,N-dimethylformamide: 300 ml

The light yellow crystal obtained in the item (1) was added to thereaction solution gradually. Subsequently, the reaction solution wasagitated at room temperature for 1 hour. Then, 10 ml of 3-bromopropanolwas added gradually, the reaction solution was heated to 60° C., andagitation was performed at this temperature (60° C.) for 12 hours. Atthis time, the degree of proceeding of the reaction was ascertained withTLC appropriately. Thereafter, the reaction was terminated with water,and an organic phase was extracted with ethyl acetate. The resultingorganic phase was washed with water and saturated saline solution inthat order and was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate. A crudeproduct obtained by concentrating the organic phase under reducedpressure was subjected to recrystallization with a hexane/ethyl acetatemixed solvent, so that a white crystal was obtained. The thus obtainedwhite crystal was used as-is in the following step.

(3) In Example 1 (3), the white crystal obtained in the item (2) in thepresent example was used in place of4,4′-bis(4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl)diphenyl sulfone. In a manner similarto that in Example 1 (3) except this, 21 g (yield 84%) of4,4′-bis(4-(3-methacryloyloxypropoxy)-3-methoxyphenyl)diphenyl sulfonewas obtained. In the present example, the usages of methacrylic acid,paratoluenesulfonic acid, methoxyphenol, and toluene were 120 ml, 1.3 g,11.3 g, and 300 ml, respectively.

The structure of the resulting compound was ascertained with ¹H-NMR.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃; TMS): δ 1.94 (s, 6H), 2.24 (dt, 4H), 3.91 (s, 6H), 4.17(t, 4H), 4.37 (t, 4H), 5.56 (br, 2H), 6.11 (br, 2H), 6.92-7.15 (m, 6H),7.64-7.70 (m, 4H), 7.97-8.03 (m, 4H)

Example 6

The synthesis scheme of a compound synthesized in Example 6 will bedescribed below. Furthermore, a specific synthesis method will beexplained below.

(1) Synthesis was performed in a manner similar to that in Example 10(1) except that2,6-dimethyl-4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxabororan-2-yl)phenol wasused in place of2-methoxy-4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxabororan-2-yl)phenol inExample 5 (1). In the present example, the usages of4,4′-dichlorodiphenyl sulfone and tetrakistriphenylphosphine palladiumwere 9.6 g and 2.3 g, respectively. In this manner,4,4′-bis(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylphenyl)diphenyl sulfone was obtained as awhite crystal. The thus obtained white crystal was used as-is in thefollowing step.

(2) The following reagent and solvent were put into a reactioncontainer.

-   sodium hydride (55%): 3.1 g-   N,N-dimethylformamide: 300 ml

The white crystal obtained in the item (1) was added to the reactionsolution gradually. Subsequently, the reaction solution was agitated atroom temperature for 1 hour. Then, 15 g of 2-bromoethyl methacrylate wasadded gradually, the reaction solution was heated to 60° C., andagitation was performed at this temperature (60° C.) for 12 hours. Atthis time, the degree of proceeding of the reaction was ascertained withTLC appropriately. Thereafter, the reaction was terminated by addingwater, and an organic phase was extracted with ethyl acetate. Theresulting organic phase was washed with water and saturated salinesolution in that order and was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate. Acrude product obtained by concentrating the organic phase under reducedpressure was refined through column chromatography, so that 15 g (yield66%) of 4,4′-bis(4-(2-methacryloyloxyethoxy)-3,5-dimethylphenyl)diphenylsulfone.

The structure of the resulting compound was ascertained with ¹H-NMR.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃; TMS): δ 1.89 (s, 6H), 2.30 (s, 12H), 4.30 (t, 4H), 4.62(s, 4H), 5.47 (br, 2H), 6.05 (br, 2H), 7.21-7.27 (m, 4H), 7.60-7.67 (m,4H), 7.93-8.01 (m, 4H)

Example 8

The synthesis scheme of a compound synthesized in Example 8 will bedescribed below. Furthermore, a specific synthesis method will beexplained below.

(1) The following reagent and solvent were put into a reactioncontainer.

-   sodium hydride (55%): 11 g-   N,N-dimethylformamide: 300 ml solution

After the reaction solution was cooled to 0° C., Intermediate compoundD4 (30 g) was added gradually. Subsequently, the reaction solution wasagitated at the same temperature (0° C.) for 1 hour. Then, 36 ml of2-(2-bromoethoxy)tetrahydro-2H-pyran was added, the reaction solutionwas heated to 70° C., and agitation was performed at this temperature(70° C.) for 6 hours. At this time, the degree of proceeding of thereaction was ascertained with TLC appropriately. Thereafter, thereaction was terminated by adding water, and an organic phase wasextracted with ethyl acetate. The resulting organic phase was washedwith water and saturated saline solution in that order and was driedwith anhydrous magnesium sulfate. A crude product obtained byconcentrating the organic phase under reduced pressure was refinedthrough column chromatography, so that a light yellow liquid wasobtained. The thus obtained light yellow liquid was used as-is in thefollowing step.

(2) The light yellow liquid obtained in the item (1) and the followingreagent and solvents were put into a reaction container.

-   methanol: 150 ml-   tetrahydrofuran: 50 ml-   paratoluenesulfonic acid: an amount of catalyst

Subsequently, the reaction solution was agitated at room temperature for12 hours. At this time, the degree of proceeding of the reaction wasascertained with TLC appropriately. After the reaction was terminated byadding triethylamine, the generated crystal was filtrated and recovered.The resulting crystal was subjected to recrystallization with ahexane/ethyl acetate mixed solvent, so that a white crystal wasobtained. The thus obtained white solid was used as-is in the followingstep.

(3) The white solid obtained in the item (2) and the following reagentsand solvents were put into a reaction container.

-   chloroform: 100 ml-   pyridine: 150 ml-   4-methoxyphenol: 0.2 g-   N,N-dimethylaminopyridine: 1.2 g-   (meth)acrylic acid anhydride: 30 ml

Subsequently, the reaction solution was agitated at room temperature for12 hours. At this time, the degree of proceeding of the reaction wasascertained with TLC appropriately. Thereafter, the reaction wasterminated by adding 2 N hydrochloric acid, and an organic phase wasextracted with toluene. The resulting organic phase was washed with 2 Nhydrochloric acid, 10% sodium hydroxide aqueous solution, water, andsaturated saline solution in that order and was dried with anhydrousmagnesium sulfate. A crude product obtained by concentrating the organicphase under reduced pressure was refined through column chromatography,so that an oily product was obtained. The resulting oily product wassubjected to recrystallization with a hexane/ethyl acetate mixedsolvent, so as to obtain 26 g (yield 55%) of4,4′-bis((3-(2-methacryloyloxyethoxy)methyl)-4-methoxyphenyl)diphenylsulfone.

The structure of the resulting compound was ascertained with ¹H-NMR.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃; TMS): δ 1.89 (s, 6H), 3.78 (t, 4H), 3.87 (s, 6H), 4.35(t, 4H), 4.65 (s, 4H), 5.49 (br, 2H), 6.09 (br, 2H), 6.90-6.98 (m, 2H),7.45-7.51 (m, 2H), 7.60-7.72 (m, 8H), 7.94-8.02 (m, 4H)

Example 9

A specific synthesis method of a compound synthesized in Example 9 willbe explained below.

(1) In Example 12 (1), 2-(4-chlorobutoxy)tetrahydro-2H-pyran (9.0 ml)described below was used in place of2-(2-bromoethoxy)tetrahydro-2H-pyran. Synthesis was performed in amanner similar to that in Example 8 (1) except this and, thereby, alight yellow liquid product was obtained. In the present example, theusages of sodium hydride (55%) and Intermediate compound D4 were 2.8 gand 8.0 g, respectively. The thus obtained light yellow liquid was usedas-is in the following step.

(2) A white crystal was obtained in a manner similar to the method inExample 8 (2) except that in Example 8 (2), the light yellow liquidobtained in the present example (1) was used in place of the lightyellow liquid obtained in Example 8 (1). The thus obtained white solidwas used as-is in the following step.

(3) In Example 8 (3), the white solid obtained in the present example(2) was used in place of the white solid obtained in Example 8 (2). In amanner similar to that in Example 8 (2), 6.7 g (yield 53%) of compounddescribed below, that is,4,4′-bis((3-(4-methacryloyloxybutoxy)methyl)-4-methoxyphenyl)diphenylsulfone was obtained.

The structure of the resulting compound was ascertained with ¹H-NMR.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃; TMS): δ 1.89 (s, 6H), 2.24 (dt, 4H), 3.73 (t, 4H), 3.85(s, 6H), 4.32 (t, 4H), 4.65 (s, 4H), 5.49 (br, 2H), 6.09 (br, 2H),6.91-6.99 (m, 2H), 7.45-7.52 (m, 2H), 7.59-7.72 (m, 8H), 7.93-8.02 (m,4H)

Comparative Example 1

The compound described below was synthesized and experiments on theoptical characteristics and the practicality described later wereperformed. A synthesis method of the compound in the present comparativeexample will be explained below.

(1) The following reagents and solvents were put into a reactioncontainer.

-   Intermediate compound D3: 5 g-   4-hydroxyphenylboric acid: 2.5 g-   sodium hydrogen carbonate: 4 g-   dioxane: 200 ml-   water: 100 ml-   tetrakistriphenylphosphine palladium: 0.3 g

Subsequently, the reaction solution was heated to 90° C. and agitationwas performed at this temperature (90° C.) for 20 hours. At this time,the degree of proceeding of the reaction was ascertained with TLCappropriately. Then, the reaction was terminated by adding an ammoniumchloride aqueous solution, and an organic phase was extracted with ethylacetate. The resulting organic phase was washed with water and saturatedsaline solution in that order and was dried with anhydrous magnesiumsulfate. A crude product obtained by concentrating the organic phaseunder reduced pressure was refined through column chromatography, sothat 4.2 g (yield 98%) of 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4′-hydroxydiphenyl sulfonewas obtained.

(2) The following reagent and solvent were put into a reactioncontainer.

-   sodium hydride: 1.2 g-   N,N-dimethylformamide: 150 ml

After the reaction solution was cooled to 0° C., 4.2 g of4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4′-hydroxydiphenyl sulfone obtained in the item (1)was added at the same temperature (0° C.) gradually. Subsequently, thereaction solution was agitated for 2 hours while the temperature wasraised to room temperature. Then, 4.8 ml of2-(2-bromoethoxy)tetrahydro-2H-pyran was added, the reaction solutionwas heated to 60° C., and agitation was performed at this temperature(60° C.) for 12 hours. At this time, the degree of proceeding of thereaction was ascertained with TLC. Thereafter, the reaction wasterminated by adding an ammonium chloride aqueous solution, and anorganic phase was extracted with ethyl acetate. The resulting organicphase was washed with water and saturated saline solution in that orderand was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate. A crude product obtainedby concentrating the organic phase under reduced pressure was refinedthrough column chromatography. The thus obtained product was used as-isin the following step.

(3) The product obtained in the item (2) and the following reagent andsolvents were put into a reaction container.

-   tetrahydrofuran: 10 ml-   methanol: 40 ml-   paratoluenesulfonic acid: a small amount

Subsequently, the reaction solution was agitated at room temperature for12 hours. At this time, the degree of proceeding of the reaction wasascertained with TLC appropriately. After generated precipitates werefiltrated and recovered, recrystallization with a chloroform/hexanemixed solvent was performed, so that 5.0 g (yield 92%) of4-(4-(2-hydroxyethyloxy)phenyl)-4′-(2-hydroxyethyloxy)diphenyl sulfonewas obtained.

(4) The following reagents and solvent were put into a reactioncontainer.

-   4-(4-(2-hydroxyethyloxy)phenyl)-4′-(2-hydroxyethyloxy)diphenyl    sulfone: 4.0 g-   methacrylic acid: 25 ml-   paratoluenesulfonic acid: 0.2 g-   4-methoxyphenol: 0.2 g-   toluene: 30 ml

Then, the reaction solution was heated and agitated for 20 hours. Atthis time, generated water was removed appropriately, and the degree ofproceeding of the reaction was ascertained with TLC appropriately. Thereaction solution was neutralized by adding a sodium hydroxide aqueoussolution, and an organic phase was extracted with chloroform. Theresulting organic phase was washed with water and saturated salinesolution in that order and was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate.Next, a crude product obtained by concentrating the organic phase underreduced pressure was refined through column chromatography, so that 4.3g (yield 81%) of4-(4-(2-methacryloyloxyethyloxy)phenyl)-4′-(2-methacryloyloxyethyloxy)diphenylsulfone was obtained.

The structure of the resulting compound was ascertained with ¹H-NMR.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃; TMS): δ 1.92 (s, 3H), 1.95 (s, 3H), 4.20-4.29 (m, 4H),4.46-4.52 (m, 4H), 5.58 (d, 1H), 5.58 (d, 1H), 6.12 (d, 1H), 6.12 (d,1H), 6.94-7.03 (m, 4H), 7.47-7.54 (m, 2H), 7.61-7.67 (m, 2H), 7.88-7.97(m, 4H)

Comparative Example 2 Synthesis of 4,4′-bis(2-methylthiophenyl)diphenylsulfone

The compound (4,4′-bis(2-methylthiophenyl)diphenyl sulfone) describedbelow was synthesized and experiments on the optical characteristics andthe practicality described later were performed. A synthesis method ofthe compound in the present comparative example will be explained below.

(1) The following reagents and solvents were put into a reactioncontainer.

-   4,4′-dichlorodiphenyl sulfone: 0.4 g-   2-methylthiophenylboric acid: 0.6 g-   sodium hydrogen carbonate: 0.8 g-   1,4-dioxane: 20 ml-   water: 10 ml-   tetrakistriphenylphosphine palladium: 0.07 g

Subsequently, the reaction solution was heated to 90° C. and agitationwas performed at this temperature for 20 hours. At this time, the degreeof proceeding of the reaction was ascertained with TLC appropriately.Then, the reaction solution was diluted with water, and an organic phasewas recovered through solvent extraction. The resulting organic phasewas washed with water and saturated saline solution in that order. Theresulting organic phase was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate and,thereafter, a crude product was obtained through concentration underreduced pressure. The resulting crude product was subjected torecrystallization with a hexane/ethyl acetate mixed solvent, so that 0.5g (yield 72%) of 4,4′-bis(2-methylthiophenyl)diphenyl sulfone wasobtained as a light yellow crystal.

The structure of the resulting compound was ascertained with ¹H-NMR.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃; TMS): δ 2.37 (s, 6H), 7.14-7.40 (m, 8H), 7.56-7.62 (m,4H), 8.00-8.06 (m, 4H)

Comparative Example 3 Synthesis of 4-(4-methylthiophenyl)diphenyl ether

The compound (4-(4-methylthiophenyl)diphenyl ether) described below wassynthesized and experiments on the optical characteristics and thepracticality described later were performed. A synthesis method of thecompound in the present comparative example will be explained below.

(1) The following reagents and solvents were put into a reactioncontainer.

-   4-bromodiphenyl ether: 0.8 g-   4-methylthiophenylboric acid: 0.6 g-   sodium hydrogen carbonate: 0.8 g-   dioxane: 20 ml-   water: 10 ml-   tetrakistriphenylphosphine palladium: 0.1 g

Subsequently, the reaction solution was heated to 90° C. and agitationwas performed at this temperature for 20 hours. At this time, the degreeof proceeding of the reaction was ascertained with TLC appropriately.Then, the reaction solution was diluted with water, and an organic phasewas recovered through solvent extraction. The resulting organic phasewas washed with water and saturated saline solution in that order. Theresulting organic phase was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate and,thereafter, a crude product was obtained through concentration underreduced pressure. The resulting crude product was subjected torecrystallization with a hexane/ethyl acetate mixed solvent, so that 0.8g (yield 89%) of 4-(4-methylthiophenyl)diphenyl ether was obtained.

The structure of the resulting compound was ascertained with ¹H-NMR.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃; TMS): δ 2.51 (s, 3H), 7.03-7.15 (m, 4H), 7.28-7.39 (m,5H), 7.46-7.55 (m, 4H)

Evaluation of Optical Characteristics

Regarding compounds synthesized in Examples and Comparative examples,evaluation of optical characteristics was performed by the followingmethods.

(1) Preparation of Evaluation Sample

Evaluation samples were produced by methods described below.

(1a) Sample for Measuring Refractive Index

Two disk-shaped glass substrates having a diameter of 20 mm wereprepared. A compound to be measured was placed on a first glasssubstrate in such a way that the thickness became 12.5 μm uniformly. Asecond glass substrate was placed on the compound to be measured and,thereafter, the outer-areas of the glass substrates were sealed. In thecase where the compound to be measured was a (meth)acrylate compound,the compound sandwiched between the two glass substrates was cured byapplying ultraviolet rays to the sample. Meanwhile, in the case wherethe compound to be measured was a compound other than the (meth)acrylatecompound, the compound sandwiched between the two glass substrates wasmelted by heating the sample.

(1b) Sample for Measuring Transmittance

A sample was produced in a manner similar to the method in theabove-described item (1a) except that a thickness of the compound to bemeasured and placed on the first glass substrate was specified to be 50μm or 500 μm in the above-described item (1a).

(2) Measurement and Evaluation

The refractive index was measured by using an Abbe refractometer (KalnewCo., Ltd.). Regarding the transmittance, each of two types of films (50μm, 500 μm) having different optical path lengths was formed, andmeasurement was performed by using a spectrophotometer U-4000 (productname) produced by Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation. The results interms of internal transmittance (500 μm) at 410 nm are shown in Table 1.Here, the overall evaluation of the sample having opticalcharacteristics within the range B shown in FIG. 1 and a transmittanceat 410 nm of 90% or more is indicated by a symbol ◯, and the overallevaluation of the other samples are indicated by a symbol ×. The resultsthereof are shown in Table 1.

Evaluation of Stability

Regarding the stability, the sample exhibited no alteration afterpreservation in the air at 25° C. for 2 weeks was indicated by a symbol◯, and the sample exhibited alteration is indicated by a symbol ×. Inthis regard, the sample having a polymerizable substituent was evaluatedin the state of containing a small amount (1,000 ppm or less) ofpolymerization inhibitor. The results thereof are shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Overall n_(d) ν_(d) θg, F Transmittance Stability evaluationExample 1 1.64 18.9 0.71 98 ∘ ∘ Example 2 1.62 21.5 0.71 95 ∘ ∘ Example3 1.65 18.1 0.74 94 ∘ ∘ Example 4 1.67 16.7 0.76 91 ∘ ∘ Example 5 1.6219.3 0.71 98 ∘ ∘ Example 6 1.63 18.7 0.73 96 ∘ ∘ Example 7 1.60 20.90.70 98 ∘ ∘ Example 8 1.62 19.5 0.72 98 ∘ ∘ Example 9 1.61 20.5 0.71 98∘ ∘ Comparative 1.61 23.3 0.68 97 ∘ x example 1 Comparative 1.69 19.80.67 95 ∘ x example 2 Comparative 1.78 20.2 0.69 98 ∘ x example 3

The optical material organic compound and the optical material accordingto the present invention have characteristics that the dispersioncharacteristic (Abbe number (ν_(d))) and the secondary dispersioncharacteristic (θg,F) of the refractive index are high (high θg,Fcharacteristic) and the chromatic aberration correction functiondelivers high performance. Consequently, it is possible to use for anapparatus, e.g., camera lenses, having a plurality of lenses.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and equivalent structures andfunctions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2010-118823 filed May 24, 2010 and No. 2011-026381 filed Feb. 9, 2011,which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

1. An optical material organic compound represented by the followinggeneral formula (1):

in the formula (1), X and Y represent individually a substituentselected from the following substituents,*-S— *-O—*-O—CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂—S—*-S—CH₂CH₂—O— *-S—CH₂CH₂—S—*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—*-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—*-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—O—*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S— *-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— where a symbol * represents anend bonded to R₁ or R₂, R₁ and R₂ represent individually a substituentselected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl grouphaving the carbon number of 1 or 2, and a (meth)acryloyl group, Z₁ andZ₂ represent individually a substituent selected from the groupconsisting of a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkoxy group havingthe carbon number of 1 or 2, an alkylthio group having the carbon numberof 1 or 2, and a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having thecarbon number of 1 or 2, a and b represent individually an integer of 0to 2, two Z₁s may be the same or different when a is 2, and two Z₂s maybe the same or different when b is
 2. 2. The optical material organiccompound according to claim 1, wherein X and Y represent individually asubstituent selected from the following substituents:*-O—CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂—S—*-S—CH₂CH₂—O— *-S—CH₂CH₂—S—*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—*-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—*-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—O—*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S— *-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— where a symbol * represents anend bonded to R₁ or R₂.
 3. The optical material organic compoundaccording to claim 1, wherein X and Y represent individually asubstituent selected from the following substituents:*-O—CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂—S—*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— where a symbol * represents anend bonded to R₁ or R₂.
 4. The optical material organic compoundaccording to claim 1, wherein R₁ and R₂ represent individually hydrogenor a (meth)acryloyl group, X and Y represent individually a substituentselected from the following substituents:*-O—CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂—S—*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—*-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— where a symbol * represents anend bonded to R₁ or R₂, and Z₁ and Z₂ represent individually asubstituent selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, ahalogen atom, an alkoxy group having the carbon number of 1 or 2, analkylthio group having the carbon number of 1 or 2, and an alkyl grouphaving the carbon number of 1 or
 2. 5. The optical material organiccompound according to claim 1, wherein X and Y represent individually—S— or —O—, R₁ and R₂ represent individually hydrogen or an alkyl grouphaving the carbon number of 1 or 2, and Z₁ and Z₂ represent individuallya substituent selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, ahalogen atom, an alkoxy group having the carbon number of 1 or 2, analkylthio group having the carbon number of 1 or 2, and a substituted orunsubstituted alkyl group having the carbon number of 1 or
 2. 6. Theoptical material organic compound according to claim 1, wherein X and Yrepresent individually —S— or —O—, R₁ and R₂ represent individuallyhydrogen or an alkyl group having the carbon number of 1 or 2, and Z₁and Z₂ represent individually a hydrogen atom or a substituted orunsubstituted alkyl group having the carbon number of 1 or
 2. 7. Theoptical material organic compound according to claim 1, wherein X and Yrepresent individually —S— or —O—, R₁ and R₂ represent individually analkyl group having the carbon number of 1 or 2, and Z₁ and Z₂ representindividually a hydrogen atom or a substituted or unsubstituted alkylgroup having the carbon number of 1 or
 2. 8. The optical materialorganic compound according to claim 1, wherein Z₁ and/or Z₂ representsan alkyl group which has the carbon number of 1 or 2 and which may havea substituent and the substituent is represented by the followinggeneral formula (2):

in the formula (2), a symbol ** represents a bond, m represents 0 or 1,n represents an integer of 2 to 4, and R represents hydrogen or a methylgroup.
 9. The optical material organic compound according to claim 8,wherein m is
 0. 10. An optical material comprising the optical materialorganic compound according to claim
 8. 11. An optical element producedby molding the optical material according to claim
 9. 12. An opticalmaterial organic compound represented by the following general formula(3):

in the formula (3), X represents a substituent selected from thefollowing substituents,*-S—*-S—CH₂CH₂—S— *-O—CH₂CH₂—S—*-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—*-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S— where a symbol * represents anend bonded to R₁₁, Y represents a substituent selected from thefollowing substituents,*-S— *-O—*-O—CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂—S—*-S—CH₂CH₂—O— *-S—CH₂CH₂—S—*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—*-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—*-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S— where a symbol * represents anend bonded to R₁₂, R₁₁ and R₁₂ represent individually a substituentselected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl grouphaving the carbon number of 1 or 2, and a (meth)acryloyl group, Z₃represents a substituent selected from the group consisting of ahydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkoxy group having the carbon numberof 1 or 2, an alkylthio group having the carbon number of 1 or 2, and asubstituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having the carbon number of 1or 2, c represents an integer of 0 to 2, and two Z₃s may be the same ordifferent when c is
 2. 13. The optical material organic compoundaccording to claim 12, wherein X represents a substituent selected fromthe following substituents:*-O—CH₂CH₂—S— *-S—CH₂CH₂—S—*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S— *-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S— *-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S— where a symbol * represents anend bonded to R₁₁, and Y represents a substituent selected from thefollowing substituents,*-O—CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂—S—*-S—CH₂CH₂—O— *-S—CH₂CH₂—S—*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—*-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—*-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— *-S—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S— where a symbol * represents anend bonded to R₁₂.
 14. The optical material organic compound accordingto claim 12, wherein X represents a substituent selected from thefollowing substituents:*-O—CH₂CH₂—S— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S— where a symbol * represents an end bonded to R₁₁,and Y represents a substituent selected from the following substituents,*-O—CH₂CH₂O— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—O—*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— where a symbol * represents an end bonded to R₁₂.15. The optical material organic compound according to claim 12, whereinX represents a substituent selected from the following substituents:*-O—CH₂CH₂—S— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—S—*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—S— where a symbol * represents an end bonded to R₁₁, Yrepresents a substituent selected from the following substituents,*-O—CH₂CH₂—O— *-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—O—*-O—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—O— where a symbol * represents an end bonded to R₁₂,R₁₁ and R₁₂ represent individually a hydrogen atom or a (meth)acryloylgroup, and Z₃ represents a substituent selected from the groupconsisting of a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkoxy group havingthe carbon number of 1 or 2, an alkylthio group having the carbon numberof 1 or 2, and an alkyl group having the carbon number of 1 or
 2. 16.The optical material organic compound according to claim 12, wherein Z₃represents an alkyl group which has the carbon number of 1 or 2 andwhich may have a substituent and the substituent is represented by thefollowing general formula (4):

in the formula (4), a symbol ** represents a bond, m represents 0 or 1,n represents an integer of 2 to 4, and R represents hydrogen or a methylgroup.
 17. The optical material organic compound according to claim 16,wherein m is
 0. 18. An optical material comprising the optical materialorganic compound according to claim
 12. 19. An optical element producedby molding the optical material according to claim 18.